Rigatoni With Beef And Garden Vegetables
A hearty pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni combined with savory ground beef and fresh garden vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Press garlic into a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and sliced onion; cook until beef is well browned, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the garlic and onion together before adding the beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce. This dish can be easily adapted to fit your taste, similar to other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rigatoni hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. It’s a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rigatoni With Beef And Garden Vegetables contains roughly 757 calories, with 18g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1466mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is a great choice, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more garden vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.
Can I freeze this dish for later?
Yes, this rigatoni dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).